At 19 Birch Lane, every step through the garden is an experience—an intentional journey designed to frame nature’s beauty from multiple viewpoints. We believe a well-crafted garden should invite exploration, with layers of texture, color, and movement that lead the eye toward striking focal points. From our reflection pool and pond fountains to the commanding presence of Dawn Redwoods and the delicate peeling bark of our Paperbark Maple, every planting and design choice is meant to create an immersive botanical retreat.
The Power of Viewpoints in Garden Design
When designing our gardens, we considered how visitors would interact with the space—whether strolling along a winding path, pausing at a secluded bench, or taking in a panoramic view from the greenhouse. By carefully selecting plants and hardscape elements, we created sightlines that naturally draw the eye toward key features, such as:
A serene reflection pool that mirrors the sky and surrounding foliage, adding depth and tranquility.
Fountains within the pond, where the sound of water enhances the sensory experience.
Carefully placed trees and shrubs, including the standout Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum), with its striking cinnamon-colored peeling bark, and Dawn Redwoods (Metasequoia glyptostroboides), whose feathery green foliage turns a brilliant copper in the fall.
These focal points help to create distinct garden rooms, offering a mix of open spaces and intimate nooks for visitors to enjoy.
The Role of Boxwoods in Structure and Design
One of our first major plantings at 19 Birch Lane was Boxwood (Buxus). These evergreen shrubs serve as the backbone of our design, defining pathways, creating natural fences, and offering a sense of formality amidst the looser, wilder plantings of perennials. Over time, they have matured into lush green walls that guide movement through the space, acting as a living framework for seasonal plantings.
Boxwoods also serve a practical role—offering winter interest and helping to protect more delicate plants from wind exposure during Maine’s colder months. Their versatility allows us to shape them into low borders, hedges, or even sculptural topiaries, adding an element of artistry to the garden.
A Celebration of Perennials
Perennials are the heart of our planting philosophy, offering seasonal beauty and resilience in our Zone 6 Maine climate. By layering perennials with different bloom times, textures, and heights, we ensure the garden remains dynamic throughout the growing season. Some of our favorites include:
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – A staple in our garden, its fragrant blooms attract pollinators while adding a soft, silvery contrast to the deep greens of Boxwood hedging.
Coneflowers (Echinacea) – These tough, colorful perennials provide long-lasting summer blooms and serve as a valuable nectar source for bees and butterflies.
Roses (Rosa spp.) – From classic heirloom varieties to more modern, disease-resistant cultivars, roses add elegance and fragrance to our perennial borders.
Ornamental Grasses – Grasses such as Miscanthus, Panicum, and Pennisetum create movement in the garden, catching the light and swaying gently with the breeze.
Beyond these, we integrate a variety of seasonally inspired plantings, ensuring that from spring’s first buds to autumn’s fiery finale, there is always something beautiful in bloom.
Gardening in Zone 6: Embracing Maine’s Seasons
Maine’s Zone 6 climate presents both challenges and opportunities in plant selection. We focus on plants that can withstand cold winters yet thrive in the warmth of summer, ensuring a garden that remains visually interesting year-round. Our use of perennials, combined with the strong architectural presence of Boxwoods and trees like the Paperbark Maple and Dawn Redwood, allows us to create a balanced, four-season landscape.
Each year, we experiment with new plant combinations, always looking for ways to enhance the experience of walking through 19 Birch Lane’s gardens. Whether it’s the shimmer of water in our reflection pool, the rich hues of a late-summer coneflower meadow, or the elegant frame of a Boxwood hedge, our goal is to create a space that feels timeless, inviting, and ever-evolving.
Come experience the garden for yourself—there’s always something new to discover.